If asked what is your dream, would you be honest and answer? I’m not asking if you have a dream because all of us have dreams God has placed in our heart. I’m talking about the dream you want to become your story! 🙂
In my few years of life, I’ve seen friends do all kinds of things with their dreams. Some people bury their dreams so far down into hearts in order to protect them from the criticism of others. Some people set them out of sight so they don’t have to think about them anymore. And some people finally just give up on their dreams because it hurts too much to hold on.
If your dream needs a kick-start, there are two things to remember.
- First, you need to get a vision that’s clear.
- And second, you must keep your vision in front of you at all times.
But having a vision doesn’t mean that your goals and dreams will instantly appear. God’s as interested in the process of vision as He is in the end result.
The apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11-13 that he had learned how to be content and satisfied to the point where he was not bummed or depressed by being prisoned or beat up or judged. Whatever state he was in, he learned to be content. In other words, he never allowed himself to get upset with where he was at the moment, he was always looking forward to where he could be.
That means you, like Paul, need to find a balance between contentment and ambition. Here’s the key: Learn to enjoy where you are on the way to where you’re going.
When you have a dream or a vision, you have to keep it in front of you. If it helps, write it down. And remember, God will help you live the dream He’s given you, step-by-step, one day at a time.
Here’s to big dreams and lofty goals and courage to do what we are called to!
And have you written down your dream, Mrs O?
You bet your bippy! I even went to the next step and shared them with people I trust. It’s SUPER scary because now that it’s out there I’m afraid of failing. But I need to take this step! Et tu, Suzanne?
The best way to inspire people is do – succeed or fail, others will fall in behind courage, nothing more, nothing less.
I was writing re: my dream today – “Sure it’s a dream, and a pretty big one at that, but it’s my dream.
It’s do or do not. There is no try.
Is this just another phase? Probably. But each phase just creates another piece to lifes puzzle, and this is one piece I’m going to enjoy creating”
I’m learning to embrace the journey I guess. Get me, it’s almost as though I’m maturing!
Thank you for the reminder. I sooo appreciate your blog 🙂
I appreciate you caring enough to read it 🙂 I LOVED meeting you this summer. Meeting blog readers is the best thing… cyber friends become real friends and the rest is just exciting! Can’t wait to meet you again!
This was great confirmation of what God has been telling me lately! thank you!!! 🙂
Thank you for writing this post. The lord knew I needed this reminder today!
Well, I read your blog faithfully, but I have never left a comment. So, today is a first. I guess because I am in my mid-40’s and after reading today’s post I realize that I have hidden my dreams so far down inside because of fear, rejection and worries of failure, that I don;t even know what my dreams are or were. I’m sad about that, but know that God has a plan and I will remember my dreams or have new ones. Thank you, Bianca, for helping me get to the deepest parts of my soul and for being along side me on my journey with the Lord – although you didn’t know you were 🙂
Oh Michelle, it’s so wonderful to hear from you. I don’t think you’re alone… there are others out there who feel the same way. But rest assured that GOD can allow you to dream new dreams. Better dreams. God-purposed dreams.
Praying for you today…
Bianca,
I use to have many dreams. With life, disappointments, trials and tribulations, my dreams have died. The other day I tried to resurrect them by searching my heart, but couldn’t even call to mind what they were, what I wanted out of life, what made me happy? You wrote one time something to the effect of a wasted life being one of someone who was alive, but not really living…….that is me. I’ve been in a pit for over a year, and do not know how to pull myself out. I said all this to ask that you, and anyone reading, to please pray for me.
Thank you!
Gina- I have added you to my prayer wall.
Mon, you are TOO sweet. Thank you for building community!
Sigh. Yes. I feel like God is showing me that I allow fear to curtail my ambition. Lazy is easy, but totally lacking in achievement(s).
And then there are the days that I compare myself to others and allow that to damage my dreams. Oy.
All in all, I need to keep my eyes on the Author and Finisher of My Faith.
Its been crazy up in here so over the last few months it’s been hit or miss trying to catch up on blogs, BUT every day for last couple of blogs it’s almost like you are writing directly to me, confirming, encouraging and convicting for the season I’m in. Even referencing scriptures ive been meditating on.. CRAZY!
I’ll first thank Jesus because I know you give all give all glory to God ( I know by your character) and I thank you for being obdiedent and disciplined in writing daily, I’m so bad at that. Also being sensitive to the spirit and being the Lords writing instrument! Xoxox
I have a list of fears. Maybe I should throw them away and start writing down a list of where to start. So far I have a camera, laptop, lightroom, equipment, the next steps are scary for me. I’m seriously terrified of shooting strangers. So far the photo work I do are for people that I know. I was just thinking about all of this yesterday. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
What if you’re afraid that if you share your dream someone will take it away from you?
Alexis, I know I’m not Bianca – but Jon Acuff wrote something that is kind of applicable on his blog today – you may want to check it out http://www.jonacuff.com/blog/dream-backward-to-move-forward/
Ultimately, I think you have to come to a place where you’re dream means so much to you that you are prepared to fail – haters will hate. Most people will say something is impossible until they see it done. Someone has to be the one to step out into the impossible and make it possible. No one can take your dream from you – they can only take your determination to achieve it. And only if you let them.
Yes! What a great answer, Suzanne 🙂 And Alexis, I’m glad you felt comfortable to say what you did.
Thank you so much, Suzanne and Bianca! 🙂
God bless you both! 🙂
And Suzanne, I’m on my way to check out the website now. 🙂
No worries – I hope it helps you. Jon is a great one for encouragement on dreams. And if you need someone to believe in yours, ask Bianca for my email address (if you don’t mind, B?!)
Don’t mind at all!
LOVE this post Bianca – I’ve just printed it off ready to take home and put up on my inspiration board in my little home office (aka my dining room!) so I can always be reminded that where I am at the moment is okay too. THANK YOU 🙂
You’re welcome! This is so wonderful to hear 🙂
Thank you Monica!
Impatience gets the best of me most times. I want it now…more clients to write for, a book deal, a hubby, end of human trafficking…
Impatience and a desire to move is a thief of my joy. Thanks for another reminder to start on the journey, but to trust God for the timing.
Thank you for posting this! It’s just the encouragement I needed to kick start my own story. When it come to others, I am a walking Hallmark card that pushes them to move forward. When it comes to myself? Not so much. So I’ve made the commitment to do whatever sweatbabyjesus has for me…. and will blog about it too 🙂
http://crystalnicoleblog.com/2011/12/12/a-year-in-the-making/
Thanks again!! -C